New Boston Red Sox closer introduced to Fenway Park

Joel Hanrahan, obtained from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a December trade, is impressed by Fenway Park after his tour Tuesday.

By Mike Fine

The Taunton Daily Gazette, Taunton, MA

By Mike Fine

Posted Jan. 9, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 9, 2013 at 9:00 AM

By Mike Fine

Posted Jan. 9, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 9, 2013 at 9:00 AM

BOSTON

» Social News

Joel Hanrahan had heard all the stories. How could he not? His in-laws had lived in the Brockton area before moving on and even though his wife, Kim, was born in Virginia, she still had relatives in the area. Her grandmother still lives on the Cape, so the family had all the requisite Red Sox feelings.

So when the newest Red Sox closer was obtained from the Pirates via trade last month, it set off a chain reaction of excitement up and down the East Coast.

“They were definitely excited,” Hanrahan said of his in-laws after taking his first tour of Fenway Park Tuesday. “The reports first came on the 23rd, and we were flying out to her family’s house for Christmas the next day. I almost canceled the trip. I was like, 'I don’t know if I can handle this. They’re going to be going crazy.’ They’ve been Pittsburgh Pirate fans and Boston Red Sox fans for the last three years. We played Boston in Pittsburgh (in 2011) and they had a tough time there. I think they’re definitely happy that they can bring out all their Red Sox gear and don’t have to worry about their Pirate stuff anymore.”

His tour of Fenway impressed him as much as it has the in-laws for all those years.

“I thought this place is amazing,” he said. “A lot bigger than I thought it was. Obviously a ton of history here. Got to go up on the top of the Monster, see what it’s like from that angle. I know my wife is going to be begging me to sit out there one day. It looked great. Got to go in the clubhouse for the first time, try to see where my new office is. I’m definitely excited. It looks great.”

But will it be a fun experience for a pitcher who's never before pitched in the AL East, let alone the American League? There's some doubt about whether the six-year veteran right-hander can handle the pressure that comes with closing in Boston. He doesn't think it’ll be a problem.

In fact, Fenway is one of four stadiums in which he hasn't pitched at all.

“I’m not too worried about it,” he said. “I’m a pretty laid back guy. I’ve always felt like I’ve had a good relationship with the media. It’s part of our job to be open and talk to the media as well. I’m sure I’m going to say some dumb things, I’m going to say some stupid things and people are going to go crazy on Twitter with it. It’s going to be written. But I know it’s going to happen, but I’ll be fine.”

Page 2 of 2 - As far as handling the pressure on the field, again, he's not too concerned.

“My job is to get three people out in the ninth inning before I give up the lead, so I feel like I've been in some big games. I feel like I’ve been in some tough spots. I'm not gonna go out there and strike out the side every time. That's not the kind of pitcher that I am. I’m gonna come after guys and I’m gonna give up some hits and stuff like that, but no matter where you go you’re gonna have doubters, so I just try not to pay attention to that. And I like to have fun, too.’’

At least now he's gotten a chance to visualize what he'll be seeing come April.

“It’s a lot nicer than I thought it was going to be. Obviously, they’ve put some money into it over the years. I think it’d be awesome to watch a game from sitting in the stands. But I’ll be a little bit closer getting to watch it. It’s definitely a pretty amazing site to see.”